Luke 20:8
What does Luke 20:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 20:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 20:8 means
In light of their evasive and dishonest answer, Jesus justly withheld His own. He declared, "Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." His refusal was not an admission of lacking authority, but a principled stand. Since they refused to acknowledge clear divine truth about John, they were unworthy to receive direct revelation about Jesus' authority. This demonstrated that truth is not to be given to those who deliberately suppress it for selfish reasons. Jesus effectively turned their own tactic against them, leaving them without an answer and without a legitimate basis for their challenge.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Jesus said, And I will not make clear to you by what authority I do these things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Jesus said to them, `Neither do I say to you by what authority I do these things.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus said to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Context
This verse is Jesus' concluding response to the religious leaders' evasion. Having successfully exposed their hypocrisy and fear through His question about John, Jesus now refuses to answer their original challenge to His authority. This stalemate leaves the leaders silenced and underscores their inability to trap Jesus, setting the stage for Jesus to shift from defensive answers to proactive teaching, as He immediately launches into the parable of the wicked tenants.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 11:33
And they answered Jesus and say, We know not. And Jesus saith unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
- Matthew 15:14
Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.
- Luke 22:68
and if I ask you, ye will not answer.
- Proverbs 26:4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
- Matthew 16:4
An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of Jonah. And he left them, and departed.
- Job 5:12
He frustrateth the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 20
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 20.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.